Expectations surrounding Mercedes are higher than ever this season following the spectacular coup of luring Hamilton from McLaren, although the 2008 World Champion has already ruled out a title challenge in year one.

Hamilton will be joined at Jerez by new team-mate Nico Rosberg, who stays on at Brackley for a fourth straight year, and Team Principal Ross Brawn to show off the W04 and conduct media interviews.

Provided the team hold no additional public events prior to the car's unveiling, February 4 will also mark Hamilton's first official public appearance in his new team's colours.

Mercedes, whose confirmation of their reveal date arrived minutes before that of Toro Rosso, join traditional rivals Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari in announcing their launch plans for 2013.

Indeed, their February 4 event means different new cars will be unveiled on five conseuctive days from McLaren on January 31, with further teams likely to conduct a straightforward 'roll out' on the opening morning of testing.